RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia is set to mark a historic milestone on Saturday as Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger is sworn in as the Commonwealth’s first woman to hold the state’s highest office. The inauguration ceremony will take place in Richmond, drawing state leaders, invited guests, and residents to an event that underscores a significant shift in Virginia’s nearly 250-year political history. Spanberger will officially assume office during a midday ceremony outside the Vir

The Virginia Department of Health has confirmed the state’s second case of measles reported so far this year, prompting an investigation into potential exposure sites and renewed public health guidance for residents. Health officials said the case involves a preschool-aged child who recently traveled internationally with family members, a factor that continues to play a significant role in measles transmission within the United States. According to the department, the child visite

Several new state laws aimed at improving worker pay, expanding health care protections, and strengthening consumer safeguards are set to take effect across Virginia on Jan. 1, marking one of the most wide-ranging policy updates in recent years. The measures touch on issues ranging from minimum wage increases to medical billing practices and digital protections for children, reflecting priorities lawmakers say are rooted in everyday concerns of residents. Political analyst Leslie Ca

Democrats achieved a sweeping victory in Virginia’s state elections, capturing all three top statewide offices and expanding their majority in the House of Delegates. The results mark a decisive shift toward Democratic dominance in the commonwealth, with nearly every county moving blue and the party significantly strengthening its legislative control. The night’s outcome signals a strong voter response to national and local political dynamics and reinforces Virginia’s transformation into a

Democrat Ghazala Hashmi has made history by becoming the first Indian-origin and Muslim woman to be elected as Lieutenant Governor in the United States. Her victory in Virginia marks a major milestone in American politics, as she defeated Republican candidate John Reid in a closely watched race. The win also cements her place as one of the most prominent voices for progressive causes, including education, gun reform, and women’s rights. Hashmi, who previously became the first Musl

WASHINGTON — One year after President Donald Trump returned to the White House and began a far-reaching expansion of executive power, his influence is again being tested — this time through state and local elections held across the United States on Tuesday. These contests, marking the first general election of Trump’s second term, are viewed as a critical measure of how voters perceive his leadership and political agenda. With more than half of U.S. states holding elections, t

WASHINGTON — Virginia’s attorney general race is drawing national attention as Republican incumbent Jason Miyares and Democratic challenger Jay Jones prepare to face off in their only scheduled debate. The event, set for Thursday night at the University of Richmond, comes amid heightened scrutiny and controversy surrounding Jones’ recently leaked text messages. The debate, open to the public but now sold out, will be streamed live from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on October 16. It marks th

  Hundreds of new laws are officially taking effect this week across Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia, bringing with them significant changes that will impact wages, taxes, cannabis use, driving penalties and criminal justice policies. From Virginia’s new criminal record sealing system to Maryland’s stricter reckless driving penalties and D.C.’s tax adjustments, the region is entering a new phase of legal reforms that touch nearly every household in so

A flight from Dulles International Airport to Roanoke, Virginia, experienced a runway overrun during landing on Wednesday evening around 10 p.m. The incident involved United Express Flight 4339, operated by CommuteAir, which was carrying 50 passengers and three crew members. The aircraft was unable to stop on the runway after touchdown but was safely halted by the Engineered Materials Arresting System, commonly known as EMAS. This system, installed at the end of the runway, consis

Residents in Purcellville, Virginia, are stepping up to protect their community by taking part in public safety training aimed at preparing them for potential active attack scenarios. On Friday, the Purcellville Police Department partnered with the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services to host a free training session that focused on life-saving strategies during violent incidents. The training came at a time when many communities across Virginia, Maryland, and the Distric

Hampton University officials announced Wednesday evening that all classes and non-essential operations would be canceled on September 11 and 12 after receiving reports of a potential threat to campus safety. The university stated the decision was made to protect students, faculty, staff, and visitors and that enhanced security measures are now being implemented. In the official statement, administrators explained that the closures affect all scheduled classes, athletic events, and c

Virginia lottery players shared in the excitement of the historic $1.787 billion Powerball drawing, with over 266,000 tickets winning prizes in the state. The massive run of 42 drawings without a jackpot winner finally came to an end on Saturday night, but not before Virginians claimed significant rewards. According to lottery officials, sales from Powerball tickets in Virginia during this period generated nearly $29.6 million in profit, reflecting both the popularity of the game and the impa

Voters in Virginia’s 11th Congressional District are preparing for an important special election that will determine who succeeds the late Representative Gerry Connolly, who passed away in May after a battle with cancer. The election, scheduled for Tuesday, involves voters in most of Fairfax County as well as all of the City of Fairfax, where polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. This contest will not only fill the vacancy left by Connolly’s death but will also shape the politi

Authorities in Virginia say a woman accused of stealing more than $10,000 worth of appliances, mostly Ninja Slushi machines, has been arrested after a series of retail thefts stretching across several counties. The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Christine Woodson, was allegedly behind more than a dozen thefts at multiple stores, with most incidents linked to Target locations in Springfield and surrounding areas. According to police, the thefts occurred over the course of several

In Arlington, a routine Sunday turned into an unforgettable day for both a pet owner and the local fire department when Chester, a popular toucan, found himself in an unusual predicament. Firefighters were dispatched to a home after receiving a call about a bird trapped behind a dishwasher, a scenario that was anything but typical for emergency crews. The dramatic incident ended with a safe rescue, leaving Chester’s owner relieved and grateful for the qui

The DC region is bursting with energy this weekend, offering a lineup of exciting events that span across Washington DC, Maryland, and northern Virginia. Whether you're into music, food, art, family outings, or just good vibes, there's something happening near you that promises entertainment and fun. From August 8 through August 10, the region transforms into a celebration of culture, creativity, and community spirit. In Washington DC, the Broccoli City Block Party returns t

In a breakthrough that closes a painful chapter in Virginia's history, Fairfax County police have finally identified a young boy found murdered in 1972 under the Old Colchester Road Bridge in what is now known as Giles Creek. After 53 years of uncertainty, advanced DNA technology confirmed that the child was 4-year-old Carl Matthew Bryant. This discovery not only gives the child his name back but also sheds light on a decades-old mystery that had haunted investigators for generations. Pol

Parents, students, and community members gathered outside the Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building on Monday morning as tensions rose over policies allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity. The demonstration came as the school board met to address an order from the U.S. Department of Education, which recently declared that several Northern Virginia school districts, including Loudoun, were violating Title IX protect

George Mason University President Gregory Washington will continue to lead the institution after the Board of Visitors voted to retain him in his role and approved a 1.5 percent salary increase, bringing his annual compensation to $823,452. The decision came during a closed-door board meeting held on Friday in Fairfax, Virginia, which coincided with protests by students, faculty, and community members opposing what they called political interference in university governance. The dem